Gwaii Trust Youth Board

ABOUT

In 2012 the Gwaii Trust Society initiated a program for the youth on Haida Gwaii. With the addition of this new program, the Board decided that a Youth Board of Directors would be created to make recommendations on application approvals, look at programing policies from a youth perspective and to provide mentorship opportunities for youth.

During the COVID19 pandemic youth board members, staff, and members of the Gwaii Trust Board of Directors,
held islands-wide meetings through videoconference.

The Gwaii Trust Youth Board represents 8 communities on Haida Gwaii (2 members per community):

  1. Graham Island North
  2. Graham Island Central
  3. Graham Island South
  4. Area E (Moresby including Sandspit)
  5. Old Massett Village Council
  6. Skidegate Band Council
  7. CHN Old Massett
  8. CHN Skidegate
OUR MISSION

The Gwaii Trust Youth Board will promote quality youth programming and a vibrant youth community network.

OUR VISION

The Gwaii Trust Youth Board advocates and supports an Islands community that increases opportunities for all island youth through: 

  • Inclusiveness
  • Infinite, relevant possibilities for youth
  • Unified experiences
  • Collaboration
OUR VALUES
  • Respect: listening and valuing youth voice
  • Collaboration: working together to increase opportunities for youth
  • Leadership: promoting youth leadership development 
  • Equality: reducing barriers to participate
OUR GOALS
  • Minimize barriers to youth participation in all Island communities
  • Build relationships and communicate with existing youth groups and organizations
  • Support expansion of low-cost drop in opportunities
  • Support youth gatherings and youth gathering places
  • Provide opportunities for teens and children
  • Support expansion of youth programs to include sports, culture, arts and outdoor activities

In addition, the Youth Board agree to support the Gwaii Trust Society Board’s goals for the youth, through the following youth action plans:

Strive for high school graduation rate of 100% by supporting:

  • Alternative programing
  • Trades courses and mentorships
  • Relevant work experience programs 
  • Development of programs to foster practical, real life skills amongst youth 
  • Dual credit programs

See a list of our current Youth Board members.

Interested in Joining Our Youth Board?

The Gwaii Trust Youth Board is for people between the ages of 13-21 who have an interest in youth initiatives, are willing to read and discuss funding applications, and are available for four to six meetings a year. You will be paid an honorarium for your time, and also receive a generous technology allowance after successfully completing one full term.

Joining our youth board connects you with other youth, allows you to help make our communities stronger, and looks great on your resume or scholarship application.

Terms for youth board members are one year and run from September to August. Based on vacancy we recruit new members in July and August of each year.

2023/2024 Term Positions Available

Graham Island North: 1
Grahan Island Central: 2
Old Massett Village Council: 1
CHN Old Massett: 1

Deadline to apply: September 22, 2023

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, please contact carla.lutner@gwaiitrust.com or call/text 250 559 5807.